Ahead of the highly anticipated UFC 285, the UFC has released a few fighters. As per the norm, fighters that are underperforming are let go from the organization. It seems that Zubaira Tukhugov is one of the fighters who are cut from the promotion.
Previously, we received news that Darren Till has reportedly been cut from the UFC roster. Although the Gorilla has been a star in his own right, his time in the organization was up. Now, it appears that Zubaira will follow in the Englishman’s footsteps.
❌ Fighter removed: Zubaira Tukhugov
— UFC Roster Watch (@UFCRosterWatch) February 28, 2023
As such, lightweight and featherweight fighter Tukhugov (20-6-1) will not be a part of the UFC’s plans moving forward. Recently, the Russian suffered a decision loss to Elves Brenner in the prelims of UFC 284. Although many felt that the Russian fighter had done enough to win, Brenner was declared the winner via a split decision.
Before that, Tukhugov (5-3-1 UFC) beat Ricardo Ramos via decision but had losses on either side of the victory. Notably, Tukhugov missed weight for his last fight and has also had two fights canceled in the past. Thus, the “Warrior” being inconsistent with his weight and his results are likely what led the UFC to part ways with him.
Fans react to Zubaira Tukhugov getting cut from the UFC
For those unaware, Zubaira is also a teammate of the current lightweight champ, Islam Makhachev. As such, he is also a known associate of Khabib Nurmagomedov and has been seen spending time with both champs. Hence a fighter, who was touted to be a future contender, getting cut is a matter of great concern.
As such, let’s take a look at what the fans have to say on the matter.
misses weight constantly, loses as a massive favorite every other fight and hasn’t gotten a finish since Kevin Aguilar pre-covid, very justified
— adrian (@hallelalaluwah1) March 1, 2023
20-6-1, 5-3-1 in UFC. On a one fight losing streak which was a controversial split decision loss. pic.twitter.com/KZIHA0Mi7r
— UFC Roster Watch Explainations (@watch_roster_EX) February 28, 2023
Cuts getting wild, looks like another weekly purge
— Eddie (@slice223) March 1, 2023
Last 5 fights..He's missed weight 2x.
Lost 2x. 1 draw and 2 wins.( Could say should be 3 wins ) but the performance isnt living up – so probs why he got cut.
— kay (@Special_Kay32) February 28, 2023
F in the chat for the Chechen warrior
— MiracleM96 (@Deli964) March 1, 2023
Bro hasn’t made weight unprofessional, last fight he even moved up weight ! How you still miss ?
— Martin (@Martiiinnng) February 28, 2023
Yo these cuts are getting out of hand! pic.twitter.com/1mn0MFefSO
— QG (@QGoitom) March 1, 2023
People are wildly blind to the fact that the ufc is a business first and a fight promotion second. Make way for more 10 for 10s
— Ross (@bigpeachRP) March 1, 2023
Both of these post’s should of been Don’Tale Mayes being cut twice not Till and Tukhugov 😂
— CJ (@AsapJerg) March 1, 2023
Robbed and removed from the UFC… must hurt pic.twitter.com/5cFF4iad3g
— CryptoStocksTop10 (@longwulf95) March 1, 2023
For the most part, fans agree that Tukhugov should have been cut. Despite his unfortunate losses, missing weight, even after moving up a weight class, is rather unacceptable, especially in a leading promotion like the UFC. Previously, Tukhugov’s weight management issues were highlighted when he missed his fight at UFC 280.
Additionally, Tukhugov was also suspended for 2 years, after failing a drug test, before his fight against Tiago Trator. Moreover, he was also involved in the post-fight scruffle of Khabib vs McGregor at UFC 229. After the fight, teams of both sides got involved in an all-out brawl and Zubaira, along with Abubakar Nurmagomedov were seen as key suspects.
Following the incident, both the fighters were fined $25,000 with UFC President Dana White stating that he wanted them released. However, at the time, Khabib Nurmagomedov reportedly threatened to leave the organization. With Khabib not there, and the disciplinary and weight issues along with poor results, it was only a matter of time before Tukhugov was released from the UFC.
Discussion about this post